Healing from Dental Implants and What the Recovery Process Looks Like

Dental implants are among the most advanced dental solutions of the twenty-first century. Their invention has revolutionized teeth replacement and corrections as well as many other reconstructive and cosmetic dental procedures that previously only offered temporary remedies. If you are like most people, then you probably have these questions:

• How do doctors install dental implants?
• What happens after the surgery?
• How can you ensure quick recovery?

This article provides answers. We will also discuss the basics of dental implants, including the installation process, the different risks involved, and how to qualify for the procedure. If you have just had your surgery, this article can also guide you on the dos and don’ts when recovering and how to make your implant teeth last.

Dental Implant Placement Overview

Before we dive into the post-operative stage of dental implant placement, let us first go over the basics of dental implants. This will help to better understand the recovery process and how to heal faster.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are screw-like devices made typically of titanium alloy inserted under the gum in the bone to replace the roots of missing teeth. A dental implant alone does not replace the whole tooth but only its root. Later in the procedure, a replacement tooth or crown is attached to it.

Because each patient’s oral cavity is unique, dental implants are available in several types. Each one is designed to suit specific dental structures and conditions.

• Endosteal – The most common type of dental implant, endosteal implants suit most patients. However, their stability relies entirely on the underlying bone structure where they will be attached. You need to have a healthy and adequate jawbone to qualify for endosteal implant placement.
• Subperiosteal – This type of dental implant is a metal plate with posts clasped on the jawbone. The posts serve as the dowel that supports the abutment and crown.
• Zygomatic – Teeth replacement on the maxilla or upper jaw that requires bone grafting can be tricky. If grafting is not possible, your periodontist will most likely recommend zygomatic implants as an alternative. These implants are long metals anchored to the zygomatic bones to provide support to the implants.

How to Know If You Qualify for a Dental Implant Placement

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implant placement. You have to meet certain conditions to qualify for the procedure, and your doctor will determine this during the initial consultation and exam. Here are the basic qualifications:

1. You should have a full-grown and healthy jawbone or a successful bone graft.
2. You should have one or more teeth that need replacing.
3. You should be willing to wait several months for your full tooth replacement.
4. Your gums and other teeth must be healthy.
5. You prefer implants to removable dentures.

Benefits of Implants Over Removable Dentures

Most patients choose lasting solutions like dental implants over removable dentures for a variety of reasons. Here are three popular reasons why patients prefer implants:

• Permanent – A dental implant replaces the tooth root and is made to fuse with the jawbone. It is more stable than removable dentures, which means it restores both the appearance and functions of your teeth.
• Looks More Natural – Unlike removable dentures, the implants are completely concealed within the gum. At the same time, the crown that comes with it is made of a material that mimics an actual tooth.
• More Durable – The implant is made of titanium alloy, so it is expected to last a lifetime. The crown is usually made of porcelain or composite material, which is much harder than the material used to make removable dentures.

The Installation Process

Dental implant placement consists of multiple procedures performed in stages. The whole process can last for up to nine months as the healing time is needed between operations. Here is an overview of the process:

• Step 1: The first step is consultation and x-rays. Your doctor will determine whether or not you qualify for the procedure.
• Step 2: If the tooth to be replaced is still present, your doctor will extract it before opening the gum to reveal the underlying bone.
• Step 3: Your doctor will prepare your jawbone for implant installation based on its structure and condition, which may include bone grafting.
• Step 4: Your surgeon will place the dental implant.
• Step 5: After a predetermined time frame, you will be asked to go back to the general dentist to place both the abutment and the replacement tooth, also called a crown.

Healing from Dental Implants

The whole dental implant placement process takes about six to nine months to complete, from the first consultation to crown placement. This might take longer depending on your bone structure, how fast your gum heals, and several other factors.

What to Expect After the Surgery

As with any other surgery, you will experience some discomfort right after dental implant placement. How quickly you will heal depends on how you take care of yourself during this stage. These discomforts are essential to your healing process, but observe how they develop to get the help you need when problems occur.

• You will start to feel some discomfort as the anesthetic wears off, and your doctor will include a pain reliever in your prescription medication.
• Expect your gums and face to swell. Your doctor will also prescribe anti-inflammation medicine to control the swelling.
• There will be some bruising on your facial skin and gums, but they will eventually disappear as you heal. If the bruises do not improve, contact your doctor for advice.
• You will experience slight bleeding on the surgical site, which might worsen if you do not follow proper post-op care.

Things to Remember During the First Two Weeks After the Surgery

Your recovery process begins right after you step out of the operating room. This is the part where you should start applying your doctor’s instructions. Here are some of the things your doctor will most likely tell you to do after the surgery:

1. If blood starts coming from your gums right after leaving the office, do not worry, as this is normal, and it might continue to happen for the next couple of days. Your doctor has placed gauze sponges over the surgical site to control the bleeding. You just have to continue biting on them for another hour or two until the bleeding wanes.
2. If your implants are in your upper jaw, especially if you have had zygomatic implant support, you may experience bleeding from your nose. When this happens, gently blot the blood without blowing your nose.
3. You may eat after at least one hour post-surgery. Remove the gauze sponges that you have been biting on first. Eat soft foods that will not force you to chew hard. Avoid hot foods or drinks until you are sure that the surgical site will not be irritated. Also, do not use a straw when you drink, as this may affect your wound.
4. Be sure to take your prescription medication, but only after you have eaten something. Ibuprofen or Tylenol should not be taken on an empty stomach.
5. You may experience a slight fever right after the surgery. However, if the fever continues for several days, that might be a sign of infection. In that case, contact your doctor right away.
6. As explained, dental implant placement involves opening the gum. Meaning, you will most likely have stitches in your mouth. Avoid moving them with your tongue, as this can result in the wound re-opening. Most sutures fall out and disappear completely after a week.
7. You can resume brushing your teeth 24 hours after the surgery, even if the wound is still fresh and delicate. Fluoride from toothpaste helps kill the bacteria in your mouth, which might infect your wound. However, be careful not to rinse too roughly to avoid aggravating your gums. Rinse with mild saltwater every so often as well.
8. Your doctor will most likely schedule an appointment with you at least three weeks after the surgery to check how you are improving. But if you notice any issues that you believe are not normal, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
9. You can resume normal activities as soon as you feel it is safe to do so—meaning, your wounds have stopped bleeding, you can brush and floss more easily, and you do not feel pain anymore. But to be safe, keep your activities light and avoid lifting heavy objects.

How to Take Care of Your Implants Until the Crown Placement

Dental implant placement usually takes 3 months but can take up to nine months to complete because it takes that long for the implants to fuse with the jawbone. This means that your post-operative care does not end three weeks after your operation or when your wound closes to hold the crown securely. Here are the practices you should maintain or include in your routine during this stage of the healing process.

Maintain Your Soft Food Diet

With your implants still not fully attached to your jawbone, it is too risky to start eating hard foods too soon. If you want the procedure to succeed, stick to eating the same food your doctor recommended during the first week until you get your crowns.

Continue to Avoid Using a Straw When You Drink

Even the slightest contractions in your mouth can affect the position of your implants. You do not want your implants to twist or tilt as they fuse with your jawbone. Avoid using a straw when you drink or pouting your lips. This helps keep the implants in an upright position until you get your crowns.

Avoid Smoking for a Few Months

The cells in your body need an adequate amount of oxygen to regenerate. Smoking deprives your body of oxygen. Needless to say, avoiding smoking can help your wound heal, and the implants fuse with the jawbone faster.

Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

Brush and floss regularly. Do not let bacteria build up in your mouth. If you fail to do so, your gums may become infected, and the infection might develop into an acute gum recession. As your gum recedes, your implants lose their footing and eventually break off from your jawbone.

Getting Implants from a Trusted Practice

There are two important things you need to do to ensure the success of your dental implant placement. One—choose the right periodontist. Your best option is someone who specializes in dental implants and has a facility equipped for surgery. Two—follow your doctor’s instructions. In order to achieve the results that you desire, you must observe the proper post-operative care in between procedures.

Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants is one of the few practices in Charlotte, NC that offer complete dental implant placement by a board-certified implant surgeon. They have been providing excellent reconstructive and cosmetic dental services for many years. If you have questions about dental implants, the installation process, and how to heal quickly, visit Dr. Ficca today. If you do not live within the area, make sure to look for a professional near you.